Becoming Sources of Strength with Erika’s Lighthouse - Erika's Lighthouse

Sources of Strength in a School Community
Erika’s Lighthouse offers a variety of free resources that can help educators, families, staff and students serve as sources of strength in their communities and identify someone in need of help before a crisis.

• Classroom Education: Three levels of programs that can be taught in schools to educate students about the signs and symptoms of depression, promote good mental health, and encourage help-seeking.
• Empowerment Clubs: Student-led clubs in schools can be a great way for students to take on leadership roles, normalize conversations around mental health and reduce stigma in their school communities by leading Awareness into Action Activities.
• Family Engagement: Workbooks and workshops for families so they can be better prepared to be mental health partners at home.
• Policy & Staff Training: Implementation of staff training and policy suggestions to ensure the educators in a school are equipped to be trusted adults. In addition to training, Erika’s Lighthouse offers staff wellness activities because staff with good mental health are better equipped to support students.

SOS Moments: Recognizing the Warning Signs
Erika’s Lighthouse Level III program covers depression and suicide and promotes good mental health and help-seeking. It also enables students to understand that self-harm and suicidal thoughts are symptoms of depression that should be taken seriously. The program is ideal for grades 8-12 and is exhibited as a Best Practice Program on the Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s Best Practices Registry.

There are often warning signs that someone may be considering suicide. These can include:

• Talking about death or suicide
• Giving away possessions
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Increased substance abuse

If you notice any of these warning signs in someone you know, it is important to reach out for help from a trusted adult. Don’t be afraid to ask if they are thinking about suicide. Asking directly can actually open up a conversation and give the person a chance to talk about what they are going through.

Erika’s Lighthouse is a beacon of hope for adolescent depression. Founded in memory of Erika, a young woman who lost her battle with depression, Erika’s Lighthouse provides free resources to school communities to educate students, staff and families about the signs and symptoms of depression and suicide prevention.

Whatever the reason: Mental health distress. Thoughts of suicide. Worried about a friend or loved one. Would like emotional support. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is here for you.

Text or Call 988

Chat 988lifeline.org

For emergencies, call 911